Summary : The Sea of Cortez harbors a large variety of whales, seabirds, desert vegetation and some of the world’s most memorable sunsets. Your expedition team will bring you up close to the gray whales and marine life that makes this unspoiled region so special. Explore the azure waters and pristine islands of the Sea of Cortez on a flexible itinerary designed to maximize the moments that make for great photographs. Delight in the searching for wildlife, hiking and kayaking on this comprehensive exploration of Baja California. This is a special Photo Expedition, see end of page for details.

In kayaks and Zodiacs you’ll explore the winding canals of the dense mangrove swamps of Bahia Magdalena. Bird watching here can be excellent — magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets are among the species you might see. It's not unusual to see forty species of birds in just one day along these fertile shorelines where they refuel for their destinations ahead.

Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and another favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja. The ship will linger in this remote and important locale, while you observe the mother and calf pairs — from the ship, and from water level in your Zodiacs. For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It’s not unusual for mothers and calves to approach your boats, the calves often playing hide and seek — even wanting to be petted and scratched.

Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End. For those who wish, a visit can be arranged to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo.

Espiritu Santo. Los Islotes. Santa Catalina. Rasa. These are some of the melodious names of these islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After years of exploration here, exciting events are still experienced: bottlenose dolphins leaping over sperm whales near the ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone; thousands of Heermann’s gulls and royal terns arriving on the shores of Isla Rasa to begin incubating their eggs; the vision of hundreds of Humboldt squid illuminated in the ship’s bow lights. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent — the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs or kayaks, you will be in prime position to observe them all.

After a visit of La Paz, have lunch and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Notes

This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Special Photo Expedition: National Geographic photographer, Ralph Lee Hopkins This special photo expedition is one of the most exciting and comprehensive voyages to Baja and offers the unique opportunity to explore — and photograph — the gray whale lagoons along Baja’s Pacific Coast and the richness of the vast Sea of Cortez. Linger with the grays up close at water level from your Zodiacs, then with the luxury of a flexible itinerary you’ll island hop across the Sea of Cortez. Baja’s wild shores and desert islands are a photographer’s paradise — a place where awesome wildlife and scenic landscapes meet. A certified photo instructor will also be at your side and at your service to inspire and assist you. Take advantage of talks, presentations, slideshows and “laptop gallery” sharing events. All skill and interest levels are welcome; the instructors can meet you wherever you are on your journey. All you need to participate is a camera— point-and-shoot, smartphone, DSLR, whatever—and a sense of adventure. And you’re sure to return home with amazing photos.

Included:All accommodations aboard ship; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages onboard the ship; shore excursions; sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits; use of kayaks (where available); tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician on most voyages; services of your expedition staff. Subject to change without notice.

Members of ExpeditionTrips.com pay 2016 prices for 2017 voyages. Offer based on availability, is subject to change, and may not be combined with other discounts. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.Applicable Date: Select DeparturesExpiration Date: 12/29/2016

New Reservations Only

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Members of ExpeditionTrips.com enjoy 10% off for Life!Book any 2017 departure and you will receive the following benefits, which apply on all futurebookings: 10% off all future expeditions with this shipping company for life, 10% shipboard discount on the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, the ability to lend your 10% expedition discount to a family member or friend of your choosing, the privilege of handing down your Friend For Life status to your children and grandchildren. Offer based on availability, is subject to change, and may not be combined with other discounts. Restrictions may apply. Contact ExpeditionTrips for further details.Applicable Dates:All 2017 DeparturesExpiration Date:1/31/2017

National Geographic Sea Lion/Sea Bird

Overview : These 62-passenger vessels were built in the U.S. in 1982. They are 152 feet in length, and operate comfortably in remote environments. With a shallow draft and small size, the Sea Lion / Sea Bird can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. They have a fleet of motorized Zodiac landing craft that is key to this style of expedition travel and provide passengers close-up views of whales in Baja California, icebergs in Alaska and waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. All Alaska departures include an Undersea Specialist who will capture the amazing world beneath the Sea Lion/Sea Bird. The vessels are equipped with tools for exploration that guarantee an in-depth experience. Additional special features onboard include: Hydrophone, kayaks, snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and wetsuits in Baja. Gym includes: hand weights, stationary bike, step machine, treadmill, and yoga mats.

2016 Travel+Leisure - Top 3 Best Small Ship Ocean Cruise Line2016 Cruise Critic Editor's Picks Awards - Best for Adventure2016 Town & Country - Best Expedition Cruise for Families and Onboard Activities

Cabin Description : All cabins face outside with windows, have climate controls, and include private facilities with amenities such as hair dryers.

Bill B.

Brevard, NC Mar 2015

Baja – Among the Great Whales

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion/Sea Bird

Great trip! Jessica and all of the staff were very responsive to our questions. This is the third time that we have used Expeditions Trips. Every time was great.

It was exciting to see the gray whales close-up. The babies were one month old, 15 feet long and weighed 2,000 pounds. However, they were curious like all youngsters. We had 5 naturalists and all of them were well versed in their field. They shared their knowledge with everyone freely and in terms that we could understand. It exceeded my expectations. We saw the largest animals on earth, blue whales, at a fair distance, humpbacks at a medium distance and gray whales really close.

John and Tammy R.

Morgantown, PA Mar 2013

Baja – A Remarkable Journey

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion/Sea Bird

We had a fantastic trip and it definitely ranks high in our top 10. My most memorable part of the trip was when the gray whales came up to our zodiac boat and let me touch them. The staff, guides and crew could not have been any better. The length and itinerary of the trip were great, we could not have asked for better.

One of the things that we are simply amazed by every time we take one of these trips is just how knowledgeable the expedition staff is. They make it exciting and new each time. The staff aboard the Sea Bird was exceptionally attentive to our every need. We celebrated my husband's birthday on board and they even took the time to make him an extra special birthday cake! This trip was fantastic. Looking forward to booking another trip soon!

Connie Vander B.

Seatac, WA Apr 2011

Baja - Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Bird

I enjoy working with ExpeditionTrips and would definitely book any future trips with you. You are always ready to accommodate any wishes and answer any questions, no matter how minor. I can't think of how you might improve as you are already outstanding and I highly recommend you.

The staff, guides, and crew on the Sea Bird were outstanding. They were very friendly and helpful at all times. I am somewhat physically challenged and was not able to do all of the hikes. They scheduled zodiac cruises for me and some other somewhat challenged people when the hikes were not feasible. I got help any time I needed it from everyone.

Joe and Jean H.

Danville, CA

Baja - A Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Bird

We are very pleased with ExpeditionTrips and intend to book any future cruises with you. We find that you are honest, frank, and reliable. The trip met our expectations. We saw great schools of dolphins and interesting geology. Walking on the different islands with their different geology and wildlife was one of our favorite aspects of the trip.

The ship did meet our expectations, although we would have preferred a bit more space. If we take her again we will want Category 4 cabins. The staff and crew were excellent, particularly the extremely knowledgeable naturalists. There were about 12 children aboard, and they made friends with one another immediately and were fun for the rest of us to watch.

Final Payment: The shipping company reserves the right to cancel your reservation if payment has not been received by final payment due date. For expeditions aboard all ships with the exception of Explorer and Orion, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. For expeditions aboard Explorer and Orion, payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Note: A variation of this policy applies to a party of eight people or more. Ask for details.

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation and travel insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties:For Expeditions on All Ships with the exception of Orion and Explorer:120 days or more: Deposit refunded less $350* per person119-90 days: Forfeit advance payment cost89-60 days: Forfeit 25% of voyage cost59-45 days: Forfeit 50% of voyage cost44 days or less: Forfeit entire voyage cost

Bridge and Upper Decks – Two lower single beds or double bed, some with pull-out single bed for third person, table with seating and two large windows, climate control, private facilities, and hair dryer.